Cintas Center Visit

[arenafanatic]

I will be doing a review on the Cintas Center for my website this Saturday when X hosts Auburn.

I was wanting to know what I should see on campus?

Your favorite thing about the arena?

Where to eat around campus?

And any other nuggets of knowledge I should know feel free to give.

I will be pretty active on Twitter and you can follow my journey there. https://twitter.com/ArenaFanatic

Thanks!

[xu82]

Go to Schmidt Field House to see how far we have come. Go to Bellarmine Chapel to pray for a 40+ point victory to make up for a double OT loss at Auburn last year. And go to Dana's, because you can.

[Masterofreality]

Favorite things about Cintas:

A) The way the Arena fits right into the campus and the close proximity to all the dorms.
B) Almost perfect size- 10,000 + change for college basketball with great views from every seat in the building.
C) Beer, beer and beer.
D)Plenty of on site parking next door.

You're probably coming a year early. Bug renovations going on next year.

Yes, visit Schmidt Fieldhouse to see the evolution of a program and just walk around campus. Not too big, but a nice oasis with plenty of green and recent additions. Xavier has come a looooooong way in a very short, relative, time.

[Muskeagle]

I will be doing a review on the Cintas Center for my website this Saturday when X hosts Auburn.

I was wanting to know what I should see on campus?

Your favorite thing about the arena?

Where to eat around campus?

And any other nuggets of knowledge I should know feel free to give.

I will be pretty active on Twitter and you can follow my journey there. https://twitter.com/ArenaFanatic

Thanks!

Keep in mind you will be seeing the arena during a break...i.e. very few students.

[XUMIOH12]

Keep in mind you will be seeing the arena during a break...i.e. very few students.

thats probably the biggest factor in the (lack of) atmosphere of the stadium and around campus.

[arenafanatic]

Thanks for all the responses!

I will for sure check out the old gym. One of my favorite things to do on a visit. I heard about the renovations, seems like it will be over a long period of time so I will make a return trip down the way.

I will keep in mind the students are on break.

[xu82]

Keep in mind you will be seeing the arena during a break...i.e. very few students.

Very good point! I'm coming up for this one and I remember going to games during the break in the past. It is a different environment. I'm still looking forward to it, but I've just lowered my expectations.

[paulxu]

It might have been SRO, but the perfect time to visit Cintas (and Danas) was probably last Saturday.

[nuts4xu]

You need to include Dana Gardens, the campus watering hole, on your visit. Make sure to have a Muskie Burger and a side of Pablo's cheesy tater tots.

Tell them Nuts sent you!

[xudash]

Thanks for all the responses!

I will for sure check out the old gym. One of my favorite things to do on a visit. I heard about the renovations, seems like it will be over a long period of time so I will make a return trip down the way.

I will keep in mind the students are on break.

Seriously, you should have attended the UC game. It's truly one of the great national rivalry games. Talk about that place at its best.

I'm sure you're doing your background research, but a few things to keep in mind:

- You'll be visiting a Convocation Center, not just an arena.

- X did it right: NBBJ was the architect for the property (schools have visited the CC for their own design ideas).

- $25 million in go-forward renovations/improvements in process over 7 years.

- One of the proudest moments for X and that arena was hosting Lauren Hill's basketball game.

- Obviously, given Xavier's winning % there, it's regarded as one of the toughest venues for away teams.

On those notes, consider rescheduling your visit for the Villanova game.

[X-band '01]

Favorite things about Cintas:

A) The way the Arena fits right into the campus and the close proximity to all the dorms.
B) Almost perfect size- 10,000 + change for college basketball with great views from every seat in the building.
C) Beer, beer and beer.
D)Plenty of on site parking next door.

You're probably coming a year early. Bug renovations going on next year.

Yes, visit Schmidt Fieldhouse to see the evolution of a program and just walk around campus. Not too big, but a nice oasis with plenty of green and recent additions. Xavier has come a looooooong way in a very short, relative, time.

Yeah, if UC does play at Cintas for a season, we probably will need either Scherzinger or Sure Thing Pest Controls.

[Cheesehead]

Betta's Italian Oven is close or Gordo's down the road on Montgomery Rd. Dana's and Listerman's is a must. Check out new Academic Quad and business college, Alter Hall

[ballyhoohoo]

Try the captain d's

[XMuskieFTW]

Try the captain d's

Don't kill the man!

[XU 87]

Betta's Italian Oven is close or Gordo's down the road on Montgomery Rd. Dana's and Listerman's is a must. Check out new Academic Quad and business college, Alter Hall

I was just in Alter Hall. It sure isn't the Alter Hall that I took classes in.

[ChicagoX]

I was just in Alter Hall. It sure isn't the Alter Hall that I took classes in.

I'm eager to get back to campus to see the new Alter Hall. It was always such an eyesore surrounded by beautiful buildings, so I'm glad they rebuilt it.

[XU 87]

I'm eager to get back to campus to see the new Alter Hall. It was always such an eyesore surrounded by beautiful buildings, so I'm glad they rebuilt it.

The interior/classrooms are completely modernized.

[BMoreX]

Saw Alter when I was out in Sept. It looks incredible.

[LadyMuskie]

On those notes, consider rescheduling your visit for the Villanova game.

Or not. Not to be Debbie Downer, but we've not had the best of luck with Nova. We don't need a write up about losing to them . . . again.

[X-band '01]

I'm not so sure about that. If you look at the one game where the Muskies were most competitive with Villanova, it was the game 2 seasons ago where Matt Stainbrook was injured and unable to play. Their 1 in/4 out system was such a bad matchup (albeit the only one) the past 2 seasons for Xavier.

I'm not saying Xavier wins on New Year's Eve at Villanova, but I will be intrigued to see a different matchup this go-around.

[FIGHTING MUSKETEER]

I will be doing a review on the Cintas Center for my website this Saturday when X hosts Auburn.

I was wanting to know what I should see on campus?

Your favorite thing about the arena?

Where to eat around campus?

And any other nuggets of knowledge I should know feel free to give.

I will be pretty active on Twitter and you can follow my journey there. https://twitter.com/ArenaFanatic

Thanks!

I attended XU from '84-'88. I wish you could see a movie of the transformation that has taken place around the campus. I don't think many schools have gone thru so many additions/improvements/renovations in such a short period of time. I know you are checking the arena, but what you may not know is that the basketball program and Cintas Center played a HUGE part in that growth. I can't speak on behalf of all posters but for those us who attended XU prior to the year 2000 when Cintas Center opened, it is much more than a basketball arena. It is a symbol of progress.

Last time I went to CC was in December 2011 so I don't know if this still holds true but the Cintas Center was developed with the idea of creating additional income for XU. In the past, it could be used for conducting meetings, conferences and other activities of different sizes. In addition, I've heard that concerts and graduations have taken place there. I don't know how unique this is nowadays but during a tour I took in 2000 or 2001, I was told it was one of only few private college arenas used that way. Hopefully someone else can confirm or deny this info, or elaborate more. Enjoy.

[LadyMuskie]

I'm not so sure about that. If you look at the one game where the Muskies were most competitive with Villanova, it was the game 2 seasons ago where Matt Stainbrook was injured and unable to play. Their 1 in/4 out system was such a bad matchup (albeit the only one) the past 2 seasons for Xavier.

I'm not saying Xavier wins on New Year's Eve at Villanova, but I will be intrigued to see a different matchup this go-around.

I hope you're right, and I definitely want us to win! But, based on recent history, I wouldn't tell someone to go to a X v. Nova game to see X win. I

[MADXSTER]

Craft beer. Top of the arena in the south enzone.

[xu82]

I attended XU from '84-'88. I wish you could see a movie of the transformation that has taken place around the campus. I don't think many schools have gone thru so many additions/improvements/renovations in such a short period of time. I know you are checking the arena, but what you may not know is that the basketball program and Cintas Center played a HUGE part in that growth. I can't speak on behalf of all posters but for those us who attended XU prior to the year 2000 when Cintas Center opened, it is much more than a basketball arena. It is a symbol of progress.

Last time I went to CC was in December 2011 so I don't know if this still holds true but the Cintas Center was developed with the idea of creating additional income for XU. In the past, it could be used for conducting meetings, conferences and other activities of different sizes. In addition, I've heard that concerts and graduations have taken place there. I don't know how unique this is nowadays but during a tour I took in 2000 or 2001, I was told it was one of only few private college arenas used that way. Hopefully someone else can confirm or deny this info, or elaborate more. Enjoy.

No kidding! I was wishing for a map at times, looking around for landmarks to get my bearings and asking "what used to be there?".

[MauriceX]

Here is a link (http://www.xavier.edu/about/documents/campusmap.pdf)to a campus map, if you need it.

I'd recommend this path:
1) Schmidt Fieldhouse
2)Stop in the parking lots on the northwest side of the academic mall. (Near Hinkle Hall) There are some older buildings that give you a sense of the history of Xavier. Hinkle itself looks like a castle.
3) Go to the circle right next to the "Musketeer Mezzanine" on the map. (Section F5 if you know how to read a map). From there you can see almost all of the new section that has been built in the past... 8 years? Give or take.
4) If you like small breweries, Listermann's is a great place. Good selections and an N64 so you can bet the next round on Mario Kart. It's not listed on the map, but it's around H7.
5) If you aren't familiar with Cincinnati cuisine, stop by the brand new University Station (giant orange thing on the east side). They have a Gold Star Chili and Graeter's Ice Cream, as well as a shop for fan gear.
6) If you want to see THE Xavier bar, go to Dana's. It is in the M7 section, just off of campus.
7) Cintas, obviously.

One thing that I always thought was cool about Cintas is that "XAVIER" is literally carved into the facade on the west and south sides of the building. I've never seen that anywhere else. The Musketeer statue in front of Cintas is also a go-to for pictures.

[xudash]

I'm eager to get back to campus to see the new Alter Hall. It was always such an eyesore surrounded by beautiful buildings, so I'm glad they rebuilt it.

Let's get your expectations set properly: it's Alter Hall in name only. You will only recognize the new edition by virtue of where it sits.

This is how good they are at construction back there now: they stripped the old place down to the concrete pillars; it was literally a shell, or actually a frame set. Now what you have, with the level of attention to detail that they have there, is a building having architectural facing that integrates with the Quad on one side and a facing that integrates with the Academic Mall on the other, all using the same brick and windows for consistency. They otherwise did a helluva lot of research in order to know how to configure the rooms. And the tech is top shelf.

[bobbiemcgee]

I hope you're right, and I definitely want us to win! But, based on recent history, I wouldn't tell someone to go to a X v. Nova game to see X win. I

I think we match up pretty well against 'Nova this year. Expecting a home win.:perfect10::perfect10:

[arenafanatic]

Wow thanks for all the responses guys! Can't wait for the game today.

[Mel Cooley XU'81]

Wow thanks for all the responses guys! Can't wait for the game today.

Don't miss Dana's.

Have a ball.

[FIGHTING MUSKETEER]

Anyone knows if this guy wrote something about Cintas/Xavier?

[xu82]

Anyone knows if this guy wrote something about Cintas/Xavier?

Not a Twitter guy, but his feed (see pg 1) has some pix from Cintas and he loved it. No idea if there's a link to more.

[FIGHTING MUSKETEER]

Not a Twitter guy, but his feed (see pg 1) has some pix from Cintas and he loved it. No idea if there's a link to more.

Thx XU82!

[mid major]

Iguana, I don't see anything about the Cintas on his site but he did tweet a picture saying he was in town watching the Ravens-Bengals at PBS yesterday.

[xu82]

Iguana, I don't see anything about the Cintas on his site but he did tweet a picture saying he was in town watching the Ravens-Bengals at PBS yesterday.

And if you go back to 12/19 (or thereabouts?), he's got a couple pictures from Cintas and says it's a great venue. Didn't see a link to anything more substantial, but again, not a Twitter guy.

[Masterofreality]

The review is up. Good stuff, and complete review, but, and I'm admittedly biased, I think his rating is a little low. :biggrin:

http://www.arenafanatic.com/cintas-center-review.html

[94GRAD]

Here is his review of the Cintas Center

http://www.arenafanatic.com/cintas-center-review.html

[arenafanatic]

I tried to post a separate post but I guess it needed to be approved. Thanks for posting everyone! Had a great time and I plan on returning to update the review after some of the renovations are done.

[Masterofreality]

Here is his review of the Cintas Center

http://www.arenafanatic.com/cintas-center-review.html

Free pub....and money for Dana Gardens! :lol:

[LadyMuskie]

I tried to post a separate post but I guess it needed to be approved. Thanks for posting everyone! Had a great time and I plan on returning to update the review after some of the renovations are done.

Great review! PaulXU will be grateful to you for mentioning the empty space near the big blue wall.

[xuwin]

Excellent presentation.

[kyxu]

Campus rating: 6.8 out of 10. Ouch.

[MADXSTER]

Yeah, I too thought his ratings were a bit conservative. But that's ok if he is consistent for other schools as well.
Soo many other basketball locations are like glorified gyms compared to the Cintas Center...wonder what kind of ratings they get.

[Masterofreality]

Campus rating: 6.8 out of 10. Ouch.

If he would have seen it back in the day of the US Shoe, Zumbiel and Rainbo Bread plants, we would have been -1 of 10.

[kyxu]

If he would have seen it back in the day of the US Shoe, Zumbiel and Rainbo Bread plants, we would have been -1 of 10.

Hell, you don't even have to go back that far. In 1999, I thought the campus was rather pedestrian.

With the new changes, Xavier's campus is pretty nice. Not ivy league or Pepperdine overlooking the Pacific-nice, but I'd put it above a 7, probably.

EDIT: Sorry, all (or most) of what MOR mentioned above existed in 1999.

[GoMuskies]

If he would have seen it back in the day of the US Shoe, Zumbiel and Rainbo Bread plants, we would have been -1 of 10.

It had charm.

[Masterofreality]

It had charm.

Depending if the wind was blowing from the Shoe Plant or the Bread Plant.

[paulxu]

Free the blue wall!

[blueblob06]

You gotta come back when students are in session, totally different experience! Come when we play UC or Butler. Campus will be buzzing, stadium will be loud, and the post-game celebration at Dana's will be much bigger!

[arenafanatic]

Thanks for all the responses! I was there last year when St. Johns came into town and the students were out in force that day. I will try to make another game next season when they face one of their top opponents.

As for the campus rating, 6.8 isn't bad. Xavier's campus just isn't as impressive as some of the others that I have visited to this point.

Here's a breakdown for the ratings in my College Basketball Arena Rankings: http://www.arenafanatic.com/ncaa-basketball-arena-rankings.html

[RoseyMuskie]

Thanks for all the responses! I was there last year when St. Johns came into town and the students were out in force that day. I will try to make another game next season when they face one of their top opponents.

As for the campus rating, 6.8 isn't bad. Xavier's campus just isn't as impressive as some of the others that I have visited to this point.

Here's a breakdown for the ratings in my College Basketball Arena Rankings: http://www.arenafanatic.com/ncaa-basketball-arena-rankings.html

Thanks for the write up. I think your assessment is fair. I do think X should get bonus points for serving beer :drinks2:

I've been to all of your top five "College Basketball Arena" arenas. My only disagreement is Memorial. Certainly a unique venue, but I believe Cintas' newer, modernized feel is nicer. Personal preference.

I think you can make the case that for one game, Memorial is probably a neater venue, but if I were a full-time fan w/ season tickets, I'd take Cintas in a heartbeat.

[wkrq59]

Who was it said "youth is wasted on the young?" Just reminiscing don't get made y'all

[xudash]

Who was it said "youth is wasted on the young?" Just reminiscing don't get made y'all

The gentleman that informed Jimmy Stewart that he essentially was an idiot for babbling instead of kissing Donna Reed, and he was right!

[D-West & PO-Z]

The gentleman that informed Jimmy Stewart that he essentially was an idiot for babbling instead of kissing Donna Reed, and he was right!

Great movie!

[arenafanatic]

Thanks for the write up. I think your assessment is fair. I do think X should get bonus points for serving beer :drinks2:

I've been to all of your top five "College Basketball Arena" arenas. My only disagreement is Memorial. Certainly a unique venue, but I believe Cintas' newer, modernized feel is nicer. Personal preference.

I think you can make the case that for one game, Memorial is probably a neater venue, but if I were a full-time fan w/ season tickets, I'd take Cintas in a heartbeat.

Glad you have got a chance to visit all of those arenas! The rankings are mainly for fans that are traveling to a new arena. I would agree with you that Cintas has an overall nicer, cleaner feel but like you said Memorial is a unique venue, nothing comes close to it around the world. (Memorial has one of the more confusing concourse I've ever seen)